How is Diabetes connected to Heart Disease?
There is an elevated risk of heart disease for those suffering from diabetes. A large percentage of people suffering from diabetes have high blood pressure and research has proved that there are greater chances of stroke and other serious conditions which affect the health of those who are diabetic.
How diabetes and Heart Disease are connected:
The main connection of diabetes and heart disease is the high levels of blood sugar. Over a period of time, the high levels of glucose tend to damage the arteries, making them stiff and hard. There is a build-up of fatty material inside blood vessels. This is known as atherosclerosis. This blocks the flow of blood to the brain or the heart eventually, leading to stroke or even a heart attack. This risk of cardiovascular disease increases further with diabetes if you have a family history of stroke or any heart disease.
Protection of the Heart when you have diabetes:
Now that you are aware of the risk of heart disease with diabetes it is important to start making the required life-style changes.
- Exercise:
Start an aerobic exercise of 30 minutes for five days a week. You can also break down this into 10 minute segments if you are unable to give these 30 minutes at a stretch. You also need to make sure that you get up every half an hour if you have a desk job which requires you to be sitting for a long period of time.
- A Well-balanced Diet:
Try to eliminate foods which are concentrated in Trans fats, saturated fats, cholesterol and salt. This includes red meat, fried foods and also eggs. Plan a diet with foods which have a high content of fiber and whole grains. Vegetables and fruits are important when you want to ensure good heart health. This can also help in managing your diabetes.
- Required Weight Loss:
It is important to lose any excess weight when you are tackling diabetes. This ensures a good heart health. The blood pressure and the blood sugar level can come down even if you manage losing a few pounds.
- Blood sugar Level:
Get your blood sugar level checked on a regular basis. It is important to monitor so that there are no chances taken. This means, regular visiting the doctor.
- Give-up Smoking:
Those suffering from diabetes or heart disease need to quit smoking on an immediate basis as there are an increase chance of getting a stroke or a heart attack.
- Medications:
Ensure you take your medications on time as this can make a big difference to the overall health. This can keep your blood sugar and blood pressure in check and spare you of different risks.
It is important to take the advice of your doctor for controlling the blood sugar levels along with the blood pressure. You can also consult a dietician for a meal plan which works in the positive for you. A little care goes a long way to ensure good health.
